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Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made towards the target set in 1998 for achievement in 1999 to 2002 to maintain or improve (a) levels of energy security, diversity and sustainability and (b) competitive energy prices. [83601] Ms Hewitt: [holding answer 26 November 2002]: The UK has access to a wide range of fuels and generally has a more varied and balanced supply than many other countries. The mix of fuels has become increasingly diverse, including through increasing use of renewable energy. The UK remains self-sufficient in energy, but is likely to become increasingly dependent on imports of gas. Competition in UK electricity and gas markets has contributed to lower prices. Data for 2001 suggests that UK industrial gas and electricity prices were the second and fourth lowest in the EU respectively. UK domestic gas prices in 2001 were the second lowest in the EU, while domestic electricity prices were the fourth lowest, based upon available data. By 2000, UK greenhouse gas emissions were 13 per cent. below their 1990 level. More detailed performance information is available in the Department's publication "Energy: its impact on the environment and society" published in July, and will also become available in the Department's forthcoming publication on energy sector indicators.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

83601; 395 c996-7W;395 c994-5W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Competition Environment protection Energy Energy supply Electricity Fuels Prices Standards Renewable energy

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk